Core i5-4690T vs Xeon L5640

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i5-4690T vs Xeon L5640 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-4690T vs Xeon L5640: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-4690T

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $804 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $996 MSRP).
✅Delivers 414.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.1 vs 4.7 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $996 MSRP).
✅Draws 45W instead of 60W, a 15W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Xeon L5640 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,620 vs 4,659).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 12 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon L5640, which brings 6 cores / 12 threads.

Xeon L5640

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +11.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 12 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.7 vs 24.1 PassMark/$ ($996 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
❌33.3% higher power demand at 60W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon L5640 better than Core i5-4690T?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon L5640 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i5-4690T is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Xeon L5640 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 11.5% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon L5640 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 12 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 6 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Xeon L5640 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Xeon L5640 comes in 418.8% more expensive on MSRP at $996 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4690T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 414.4% better value on paper (24.1 vs 4.7 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i5-4690T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4690T vs Xeon L5640 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i5-4690T

The Core i5-4690T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,620 points. Launch price was $69.

Xeon L5640

The Xeon L5640 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 March 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Westmere-EP (2010−2011) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 60 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,659 points. Launch price was $200.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4690T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Xeon L5640 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon L5640 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-4690T versus 2.8 GHz on the Xeon L5640 — a 22.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-4690T (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.26 GHz). The Core i5-4690T uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon L5640 uses Westmere-EP (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4690T scores 4,620 against the Xeon L5640's 4,659 — a 0.8% lead for the Xeon L5640. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4690T vs 12 MB (total) on the Xeon L5640.

Feature	Core i5-4690T	Xeon L5640
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+25%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+11%	2.26 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	12 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Westmere-EP (2010−2011)
PassMark	4,620	4,659

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4690T uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon L5640 uses LGA1366 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4690T	Xeon L5640
Socket	LGA1150	LGA1366
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3 1333 MHz
Max RAM Capacity	—	288 GB
RAM Channels	—	3
ECC Support	—	Yes
PCIe Lanes	—	0

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-4690T) / true (Xeon L5640). Primary use case: Xeon L5640 targets Server Low Power.

Feature	Core i5-4690T	Xeon L5640
Integrated GPU	—	No
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	true
Target Use	—	Server Low Power

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4690T was priced at $192, while the Xeon L5640 came in at $996. On launch pricing ($192 vs $996), Core i5-4690T was $804 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4690T delivers 24.1 pts/$ vs 4.7 pts/$ for the Xeon L5640 — making the Core i5-4690T the 134.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4690T	Xeon L5640
MSRP	$192-81%	$996
Performance per Dollar	24.1+413%	4.7
Release Date	2014	2010

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